Naeem Islam was the 50th victim for Umar Gul in T20. A serious achievement in batsmen’s game. He is not the first man to reach this landmark. Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi has already completed 50 wickets in T20 format & leading the list. The tale isn’t complete here. Another Pakistani & World’s No.1 ODI bowler Saeed Ajmal is at 3 in the list. A lot has been conferred on Spin twins Ajmal – Afridi. So I am going to accolade a Peshawar born Pathan who made us feel proud on many occasions.
Gull has taken 50 wickets so hurriedly in T20, which isn't an easy task when you get only 4 overs to spell your magic...Quick and conditional cause fast bowlers can't bowl bouncers or too wide outside stumps. No overstepping the popping crease and field restricted!
This class act made it simple for him. He has ways to dismantle the opposition and get them OUT. Gul knows the art of bowling yorkers really well. He is nippy and his accuracy adds danger to his work. His ability to swing the new ball and reverse the old makes him a complete bowler in any format of the game.
Gull made his T20 debut against Kenya in 2007. In span of 4 years with limited number of T20 games, he has completed 50 wickets with an impressive average of 15.50. He held a record for sometime of best bowling figures in T20 which has been overtaken by Srilanka’s Ajantha Mendis. Gul bowled immaculate spell of 5/6 against New Zealand. Five wicket haul in T20 is really an exceptional achievement.
After two W’s and specifically following Akhter’s retirement, gull has truly emerged as a senior fast bowler in the team, undoubtedly a guy who always rises to the occasion. Although he had few injury problems in his career but his good work started since his debut and its still continue, he has been impressive against sides like England, South Africa, India and Sri Lanka and stats says it all:
Mat Inns Balls Runs Wkts BBI BBM Ave Econ SR 4w 5w 10
Tests 38 72 8015 4640 139 6/135 9/164 33.38 3.47 57.6 10 4 0
ODIs 95 94 4471 3765 138 6/42 6/42 27.28 5.05 32.3 3 2 0
T20Is 36 36 724 775 50 5/6 5/6 15.50 6.42 14.4 3 1 0
Gul also had a successful English county season with Sussex where his contribution was praised by Captain MH Yardy. He also has been eulogized by some greats of cricket. I still remember the words of Naseer Hussain & Shane warne on his astounding Yorker to dismiss Micheal Hussey in T20 match.
A true champ with his laudable input to Pakistan cricket has long way to go & pull off many victories for green team in future.
GeoSuper